Process for making prostaglandins and compounds related to prostaglandins

ABSTRACT

The preparation of compounds of the following formulas is disclosed:   In these formulas, R is alkyl, W is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted with halo, nitro, or carbomethoxy, X is hydrogen or methyl, Y&#39;&#39; is hydrogen or carboxyacyl, Z is hydrogen or alkyl, and n is zero, one, or two. These compounds are used as intermediates to make prostaglandins of the dihydroPGF1 -type.

United States Patent Babcock et al.

[451 July 25,1972

[54] PROCESS FOR MAKING PROSTAGLANDINS AND COMPOUNDS RELATED TO PROSTAGLANDINS [72] Inventors: John C. Babcock; Philip F. Bea], III, both [21] Appl. No.: 31,066

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 517,442, Dec. 29, 1965, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. ..260/340.7, 260/487 R, 260/476 C, 260/488 R, 260/514 R, 260/586 R, 260/617 F, 260/618 R, 424/278 [51] Int. Cl. ..C07d 15/00 [58] Field of Search ..260/340.7

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,435,053 3/1969 Bea] et al. ..260/340.7 X 3,245,922 4/1966 Ikeda ..260/340.9 X

Primary Examiner-Alex Mazel Assistant ExaminerJames H. Turnipseed AtlorneyGeorge T. Johannesen [5 7] ABSTRACT The preparation of compounds of the following formulas is disclosed:

In these formulas, R is alkyl, W is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted with halo, nitro, or carbomethoxy, X is hydrogen or methyl, Y is hydrogen or carboxyacyl, Z is hydrogen or alkyl, and n is zero, one, or two. These compounds are used as intermediates to make prostaglandins of the dihydro-PGF -type.

10 Claims, No Drawings PROCESS FOR MAKING PROSTAGLANDINS AND COMPOUNDS RELATED TO PROSTAGLANDINS This is a division of copending application, Ser. No. 517,442, filed Dec. 29, 1965, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,386.

This invention relates to a process for making .prostaglan- The term prostaglandin is used broadly to designate a material, having hypotensive and smooth muscle-stimulating activity, obtained from accessory genital glands, seminal fluid, and the like. Prostaglandins have been found to be present in the kidney of both male and female animals. A crude material, designated prostaglandin, was obtained by von Euler from extracts of such materials [Arch Exp. Path. Pharmak. 175, 78 (I934), 181 (1936), J. Physiol. 72, 74 (1931), 81, 102 (1934), 84, 21(1935), 88, 213 (1936), Klin, Waehr, l4, 118L (1935)]. Recently [Acta Chemica Scandinavia 14, 1693-1704 (1960] two distinct compounds designated PGE and PGF have been isolated from crude materials such as von Euler prostaglandin. Both P and PGF are unsaturated, non-aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids. PGE and PGF can be hydrogenated by the usual methods for saturating ethenoid double bonds, for example, hydrogenation in a solvent such as ethanol or acetic acid in the presence of Rancy nickel, platinum or like hydrogenation catalyst to give products, dihydro PGE and dihydro'PGF which also exhibit prostaglandin-like activity.

The structure of these compounds has been shown to be as follows:

PGF (also termed Pon has the following structure:

Dihydroprostaglandin F, has the following structure:

and is named systematically (using the numbering shown) as: 7[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2( 3-hyd roxyoctyl)cyc lopentyl l-heptanoic acid.

The dotted line attachments shown in the above formulas indicate that these substituents are in the a-configuration, i.e.,

are below the plane of the cyclopentane nucleus.

The PGF series of compounds is characterized by the presence of a hydroxy group at the 5-position in the cyclopentane ring. The PGE series is characterized by the presence of a keto group in the 5-position of the cyclopentane ring.

Broadly described, the process of this invention for producing prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs comprises the following steps. The 3,5-oxygenated cyclopentane ring of the prostaglandins is provided by 4-cyclopentene-l,3-dione. This is condensed with butadiene to provide the known 3aa,4,7,7 aa-tetrahydro-l,B-indanedione (l), and the keto groups are reducedto give a mixture of l,3-diols, 3A and 3B. The noncarboxylic side chain of the prostaglandins is obtained by oxygenating the double bond in the six-membered ring of diols 3A and 3B and their functionally converted derivatives 4A and 4B, and treating the resulting ketone with analkyl metal f compound, dehydrating the resulting carbinol, and cleaving wherein Ac is'the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, R is an alkyl group,- either straight or branched chain, containing from 'one to 8 carbonatoms, inclusive, 2 is hydrogen or; an alkyl-group containing from one to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, W is hydrogen, an alkyl or substituted alkyl group containing from one to eight carbon atoms, inclusive, or an aryl or substituted aryl group containing from six to eight carbon atoms, inclusive, Y and Y are hydrogen or the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, n is an integer selected from the group consisting of 0, l and 2,-and X is hydrogenor methyl with the proviso that not more than one X can be methyl in a given side chain.

a scope of the disclosure. Also, the chart does not show all the stereoisometric forms obtained.

, Compounds 14A, 14B and 15 exhibit hypotensive and smooth muscle stimulating activity. The hypotensive activity of these compounds makes them useful in the control of hypertension in man and valuable domestic animals and in laboratory animals such as mice, rats and rabbits.

The compounds of formulas 14A, 14B and 15 also possess activity as fertility controlling agents, central nervous system regulatory agents, saltand water-retention regulatory agents, fat metabolic regulatory agents and as serum cholesterollowering agents which latter activity makes said compounds useful in the prevention of the onset of atherosclerosis and also in the treatment thereof in man and valuable domestic animals. The activity of said compounds as fat metabolic regulatorY agents makes them usefulin the control of obesity in man and valuable domestic animals.

' 'Prostaglandins produce pronounced changes in blood pressure and block the action of epinephrine onthe bladder, altering fluid transport. Agents which counteract or block this action of prostaglandin are of great interest in clinical research. To assay large numbers of compounds for prostaglandin blocking activity requires a steady supply both for treatment of control animals and for coadministration to test animalswith potential blockers. Until recently prostaglandins have been available only in milligram amounts after extraction from semen or seminal vesicle tissue. Recently a. biosynthetic procedure has been developed for manufacture of prostaglandins from certain essential fatty acids. This procedure has greatly improved the availability of prostaglandin supplies and has permitted limited screening for prostaglandin-blocking agents. The biosynthetic process is however complex, as seminal vesicles from non-castrated rams or bulls are .required, essential fatty acids are needed for substrate, and a mixture of products is often encountered, purification of which is difficult and tedious. The cost of producing prostaglandins by this method in sufficient amount to satisfy current needs is so high as to be a limiting factor in research. It is a purpose of this invention to provide prostaglandins and prostaglandin-like materials to substitute for natural prostaglandins in the prostaglandin antagonist assays. it is another purpose to provide a synthetic method for preparing prostaglandins and prostaglandin-like materials in substantial amount and in good purity to provide standard materials for use in prostaglandin antagonist assays. it is a further purpose materials to permit a large scale screening of large numbers of compounds in suflicient numbers of animals to obtain statistically significant biological data in prostaglandins and antagonist assays.

ln carrying out the process of the present invention, 3aa, 4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1,3-indanedione (l) is reduced to racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la(and lp)-hydroxy-3-indanone (2) which is further reduced to give 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la ,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la, 3fl-indanediol (38). Reduction may be accomplished by methods in themselves well known in the art and may be accomplished with or without isolation of the intermediate hydroxyketone. in a preferred method reduction may be accomplished, for example, with an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium in an alcohol, lithium in liquid ammonia, or lithium aluminum hydride.

When reducing 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,3-indanedione (l) with sodium or potassium in an alcohol a large excess of reducing agent is used and the reaction is usually carried out at the reflux temperature of the alcohol. The mixture is heated at reflux until the sodium or potassium has dissolved, which can take from less than an hour to several hours. When the reduction is carried out with sodium or potassium in ethanol, 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) is the main product isolated, with a lesser amount of racemic 3aa,4,7,7 aa-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol isolated. Using sodium or potassium in isopropyl or isobutyl alcohol for reduction results in the formation of racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la(and lB)-hydroxy-3-indanone (2).

Reduction of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro"l,3-indanedione (l) with lithium in liquid ammonia results in the formation of racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la(and -lfl)-hydroxy-3-indanone (2) as the major product even when excess lithium is used. The thus obtained racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lo (and l,8)-hydroxy-3-indanone(2)is further reduced to a mixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3fi-indanediol, (38) by further reduction with excess lithium in liquid ammonia.

The preferred process for production of 3aa,4,7,7aotetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-la,3fi-indanediol (3B) is to reduce 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-l,3-inda.nedione (l) with lithium in liquid am- Inns.

monia, isolate the crude 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la(and 1B)- hydroxy-3-indanone (2) and without further purification reduce the crude (2) with lithium aluminum hydride to obtain the mixed diols (3A and 3B). These can be separated and purified by chromatography, e.g., over Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate), by crystallization, by formation of derivatives such as acylates or acetals and regeneration of the parent glycols, by selective complexing, e.g., with boric acid, or by combinations of the above methods.

Acylation of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3u-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3}3-indanediol (38) to produce the corresponding 1,3-diacylate's is carried out by treating the diol with the anhydride or halide of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from two to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, in the presence of a catalyst, for example, pyridine, p-toluene carboxylic acid, BF etc., or directly with a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, in the presence of an esterification catalyst, for example, p-toluenesulfonic acid. Easily crystallizable esters are preferred, for example, the benzoate ester.

Racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4H)- indanone diacylate (5A) and racemic 3aa6,7,7aa-tetrahydrola,3B-dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone diacylate (5B) are prepared from the corresponding 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro1,3- indanediol diacylates by treatment with excess diborane followed by oxidation. At least one-fourth mole of diborane is used, preferably one-half mole or more. The reaction with diborane is carried out at room temperature or below, preferably at about C., and in a non-hydroxylated solvent, e.g., ether, diglyme, methyl cellosolve, tetrahydrofuran, or a mixture of solvents. The reaction is quite fast but is preferably allowed to proceed for about an hour or more at 0 C., then the excess diborane is decomposed by addition of water. The reaction mixture is treated directly with an oxidizing agent, for example, chromium trioxide in aqueous acetic acid or sodium dichromate in aqueous sulfuric acid, and the product is isolated by extraction and purified by crystallization, chromatography, or a combination of the two. As starting material, a mixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3a-indanediol diacylate (4A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l0:,3fl-indanediol diacylate (4B) can be used and affords a mixture of racemic 3aa6,7,7a-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone diaculate (5A) and racemic I In an alternate preparation of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aatetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4B)-indanone diacylate (5A) and racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lB,3oz-dihydroxy-5(4H)- indanone diacylate (5B), the corresponding 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol diacylate (4A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol diacylate (4B) are treated with hypobromous acid in a tertiary alcohol to obtain racemic 6(a and B)-bromo-3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-101,30: ,5(a and fl)-indanetriol 1,3-diacylate (4C) and racemic 6(a and B)-bromo-3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-15,30,5(01 and B)- indanetriol 1,3-diacylate (4C) which are then oxidized in acetic acid solution with chromium trioxide to obtain racemic 6(a and B)-bromo-3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy- 5(4H)-indanone diacrylate (4D) and racemic 6(a and B)- bromo-3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydrol ,3,3adihydroxy-5 (4H )-indanone diacylate (4D) which are isolated by extraction and then treated with zinc in acetic acid to afford compounds 5A and 5B.

When a mixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol (3B) obtained as described above by the reduction of 3a,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l ,3-indanedione (1) is carried through without separation of isomers to a mixture of racemic 3a a,6,7 ,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4B)-indanone diacylate (5A) and racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lfl,3a-dihydroxy- 5(4l-l), indanone diacylate (5B) the 1a,3a-form predominates and the crude mixture may be used without purification for the next step of this invention. Alternatively, the la,3a-diol diacylate may be obtained from the mixture in pure form by crystallization, for example, from ether or from a mixture of acetone and hexane, or by chromatography, and the pure 10:,3adiol is then used as starting material for the next step. Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lB,3a-dlhydroxy-5(4H)-indanone diacylate (5B) is a valuable intermediate for the production of the PGE series of prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs and may be used in place of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4B)-indanone diacylate (5A) to produce biologically active intermediates which can be converted to prostaglandin-like end products epimeric at C-1 of the cyclopentane ring.

A mixture of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a-alkylla,3a,5B-lndaneh'io| (6B) and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-alkyl-la,3a,5a-indanetriol (6B) is obtained by treating racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy- 5(4l-l)-indanone diacylate (5A) with an alkyl metal compound, preferably an alkyl magnesium halide. The alkyl group can contain from one to eight carbon atoms, and be straight or branched chain. For the preparation of dihydroprostaglandin F or 8-isodihydroprostaglandin B the alkyl group must be amyl. Ordinarily 5 moles or more of alkyl magnesium halide is used. However, by using only a small excess over one mole of alkyl magnesium halide scission of the 3,5-ester groups is avoided and the product is a mixture of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-Sa-alkyl-la,3a,5B-indanetriol 3,5-diacylate (6A) and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fi-alkyl-10:,301 ,Sa-indanetriol 1,3-diacylate (6A), which is hydrolyzed, for example, with an alkall such as sodium hydroxide in a solvent such as aqueous ethanol to the free triols. The Sqand 53211- kylhexahydroindanetriols can be separated by crystallization from a solvent such as ethyl acetate or a mixture of acetone and hexanes, or by chromatography. Both products, or the mixture, can be used in the next step.

Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyl-la,3a-indanediol la,3a-acetal (7) is prepared in one step from racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-alkyl-la,3a,5fi-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-alkyll a,3a,5a-indanetriol, or a mixture of the two, by treatment with an aldehyde and an acid catalyst and removal of the water formed in the reaction. The reaction is carried out in a water-immiscible solvent, e.g., benzene or xylene, at reflux temperatures for a period of several hours. A strong acid, e.g., sulfuric acid, a Lewis acid, e.g., BFa, or an aryl sulfonic acid, e.g., p-toluenesulfonic acid, is used as catalyst. Aldehydes which may be used are, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, benzaldehyde, p-bromobenzaldehyde, 2,4,6trichlorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde, p-nitrobenzaldehyde', and the like. An aldehyde giving an easily crystallizable acetal is preferred, for example, pnitrobenzaldehyde. The acetal is recovered by washing the reactionm ixture with aqueous saturated sodium bisulfite to remove the excess aldehyde, then with a mild aqueous alkali, e.g., sodium bicarbonate, to remove the acid catalyst, and finally evaporating the solvent. The thus obtained racemic 3aa,6,7,7aatetrahydro-5-alkyl-l0:,3a-indanediol 1,3-acetal (7) is freed of small amounts of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5- alkyl-la,3a-indanediol 1,3-acetal and is purified by chromatography, e.g., over Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate), crystallization, or a combination of chromatography and crystallization.- I

In an alternate method for preparing racemic 3aa,6,7,7aatetrahydro-S-alkyl-la,3a-indanediol la,3a-acetal (7), compound 6A prepared either from 5A with about an equimolar amount of Grignard reagent as described above, or from 68 by acylation as described above for the acylation of compound 3A) is treated undermild dehydrating conditions known in the art for dehydrating tertiary alcohols, e.g., reflux with toluenesulfonic acid or oxalic acid in benzene, or dehydration with 1,, SOCl Poc1,, and the like, to afford the corresponding anhydro product, racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkylla,3a-indanediol diacylate, mixed with varying amounts of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyll 0:,3a-indanediol diacylate, which can be separated andpurified by conventional methods. Vigorous acylation conditions result in dehydration and acylation of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7aa-hexahydro-5a(and B)-pentylla,3a,5fi(and 5a)-indanetriol (68) to give racemic 3aa,6,7,7 aa-tetrahydro-S-pentyl-la,3a-indanediol 1,3-diacylate in one step. The racemic 3am,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyl la,3a-indanediol diacylate is then hydrolyzed with dilute alkali such as sodium hydroxide in aqueous alcohol or with dilute acid to give the corresponding free alcohol, which when treated under acetal forming conditions as described above provides racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-S-alkyll a,3a-indanediol la,3a-acetal (7). As a further variation, the 1,3-diacylate can be carried through the glycol formation and cleavage and the Wittig reaction to obtain compounds of formula B.

Hydroxylation of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyl-l a,3a-indanediol l;3 -acetal (7) with osmium tetroxide results in a mixture of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hcxahydro-5Balkylla,31x,4|w,5u-lndtlnclclr0l l,3-acctal (8) and racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7uuhexahydro Su-alkyll a,3a,4B,5B-indanetetrol 1,3- acetal (8). In one method a small excess of osmium tetroxide is used. The reaction is carried out in a solvent, e.g., ether,

tetrahydrofurambenzene or dioxane, preferably at room temperature or below, for a period of about 10 to hours. Catalyticamounts' of pyridine can be added if desired. Osmium salts are then removed, e.g., by treatment with hydrogen sulfide and filtration, and the product is isolated by evaporation of thesolvent. Alternatively, the hydroxylation is carried out with a catalytic amount of osmium tetroxide (1-10 percent of the weight of starting material) andan oxidizing agent, e.g.,

sodium metaperiodate. The oxidizing agent is used in excess. The reaction is carried out in a solvent, e.g., t-butanol,

' acetone, or preferably, tetrahydrofuran, at reflux temperatures for a period of about 5 to 30 hours depending upon the temperature, concentration, and amount of osmium tetroxide used. The product is isolated, for example, by adding water to the reaction mixture and extracting with a water-immiscible solvent such as methylene chloride.

Alternatively, potassium permanganate can be used as the oxidant by gradual addition as a solution in water or acetone to a buffered aqueous acetone solution of racemic 3aa,6,7,7 aa- -tetrahydro-5-alkyl-1a,3a-indanediol la,3a-acetal (7) at or below room temperature. After addition of a slight excess of permanganate, the oxidant is decomposed with sodium bisulfite, the inorganic precipitate is removed by filtration, and the product is recovered by extraction and purified by chromatography and crystallization. Although separation of the thus-obtained mixture of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-alkyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol 1,3-acetal (8) and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-aIkyI-la,3a,4B,5fi-indanetetrol l,3 acetal (8) isunnecessary, it can be accomplished by crystallization, chromatography, e.g., over synthetic magnesium silicate or silica .gel, or a combination of the two. Either isomer, or the mixture, can be used in the next step of the invention and it is advantageous to use the mixture.

lficarboxyaldehyde 3,5-acetal (9A) is obtained by oxidizing racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B-alkyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol 1,3-acetal (8), racemic 3a,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro- Sa-alkyl-la,3a,4fi,5fi-indanetetrol 1,3-acetal (8), or a mixture of the two, with lead tetraacetate. The reaction is carried out in a solvent such as benzene or xylene, preferably at room temperature, for a period of several hours. The product is isolated by filtering the reaction mixture to remove excess lead tetraacetate and lead salts, then evaporating the filtrate. Alternatively, the glycol cleavage to produce racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxoalkyl) cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde 3,5-acetal (9A) can be accomplished with periodic acid under conditions well known in the art.

Hydrolysis of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde 3,5-acetal (9A) with a strong acid such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid in an aqueous organic solvent mixture ordinarily results in simultaneous dehydration to give racemic 5B-(3-oxoalkyl)-4a-hydroxy-I- cyclopentene-l-carboxaldehyde (9C) which possesses CNS depressant, antiviral, and insecticidal activity.

' wherein X, Z and n are defined as above, and Hal is bromine In the next step, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl)- cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde 3,5-acetal 9A), is subjected to the Wittig reaction to produce the compounds of formula 10A. The Wittig reagents herein used can be generally wherein X is hydrogen or methyl, with the proviso that only one methyl group can be present in a given side chain, Z is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing from one to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive, and n is an integer selected from the group.

consisting of 0, l and 2. These Wittig reagents are prepared by reacting a halogen substituted unsaturated acid of the formula:

or chlorine, with triphenylphosphine to obtain a .tn'phenyl phosphonium halide of the formula:

Hal-

wherein X, Z and n are defined as above, and-treating the triphenyl phosphonium halide with a base such as sodamide, or sodium or potassium hydride, the sodium or potassium metalate of dimethylsulfoxide, phenyl lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide, and the like. The base, by eliminating hydrogen halide from the phosphonium halide of structure 18, produces the phosphorane of'structure 16. [The preparation of phosphoranes is discussed in detail by Tripett', Quart. Rev. XVII, No. 4, p. 406 (1963).] At least 1 mole of Wittigreagent is used per mole of aldehyde (9A), and preferably from 2 to 10 moles of Wittig reagent is used. The reaction is generally carried out in an organic solvent, such as ether, benzene, toluene, hexane, dimethylsulfoxide, methylene chloride, chloroform, or the like, at temperatures between 0 C. and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, preferably at room temperature or below. The reaction is 1 carried out for a period of a few hours to several days depending on the temperature and concentration of the reaction mixture and the specific Wittig reagent used. After the reaction is substantially complete the. product, a substituted unsaturated ester of formula 10A, is recovered from the reaction mixture in a conventional manner, for example by evaporating the solvent from the reaction mixture or by adding water-and extracting with a water-immiscible solvent. The crude product can be purified by conventional means, such as recrystallization,

chromatography, e.g., over Florisil(synthetic magnesium siltetrahydrofuran,

ple, acetone, methanol, ethanol, dioxane, dimethylsulfoxide, and the like. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature until the hydrolysis is complete or is heated under reflux for several hours, then the product is recovered in a conventional manner, for example, by adding water to the reaction mixture and extracting with a water-immiscible solvent or by neutralizing the acid and evaporating the reaction mixture. The product can be purified by conventional means, for example, by chromatography over silica gel or synthetic mangesium silicate, or by crystallization, or both.

The keto group in the unsaturated esters of formula B is reduced, e.g., with lithium tri-tert.-butoxyaluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, or the like to produce the compounds of fonnula 10. The reaction is conducted in a solvent, e.g., methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and the like, preferably at about room temperature for a period of several hours and with excess reducing agent. The product is recovered in a conventional manner, for example, by first destroying excess reducing agent, usually by adding dilute acid, then extracting with a water immiscible solvent. The product can be purified by chromatography, e.g., over Florisil or silica gel.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula 100 can be prepared from the corresponding compounds of formula lOA by first reducing the keto group in the same manner as the reduction of the keto group in compound 108, thus producing the compounds of formula 10C, and then removing the 3,5- acetal by hydrolysis in the same manner as the hydrolysis of compounds of formula 10A. I

- Reduction of the ethylenic double bonds in the compounds of formulas 10A and 108 without concomitant reduction of the keto group is accomplished by hydrogenation using palladium or rhodium as catalyst. A solvent is used, e.g., methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and the like. The reduction is preferably carried out at room temperature and at a pressure of about 1 or more atmospheres. The reaction is stopped when the theoretical amount of hydrogen for saturation of the ethylenic double bonds has been absorbed. The products, the corresponding compounds of formulas 11A and 11B, are recovered by conventional means, for example, by separating the catalyst by filtration and removing the solvent by evaporation.

When the acetal substituent W of compounds of formula 1 1A contains easily reducible groups such as nitro and bromo, these groups can of course undergo reduction during the catalytic hydrogenation of the double bonds as described above, but this change of the group W is of no practical importance since ordinarily it is desirable to remove the acetal group immediately thereafter or during the work-up of the product.

.When W contains such readily reduced groups the uptake of hydrogen must of course be increased, depending on the catalyst, to allow the reduction to go to completion. This same precaution applies to the catalytic hydrogenation of other acetals, for example, the compounds of formulas 10A, 10C, 12A, 120, and 13A. I

Compounds of formula 11B are prepared from the acetals of formula MA by hydrolysis in ways known in the art, as described above for the preparation of compounds of formula 103 from the acetals of formula 10A. In like manner hydrolysis of the acetals l4C, 12A, 12C, 13A and MD gives the corresponding free alcohols, 14A, 12B, 12D, 13B and 14B.

The 3a,5a-diols of formulas 10B, 10D, 118, 14A, 12B, 12D, 13B, 14B and 15 can, if desired, be converted to the corresponding acetals by treatment with an aldehyde under mild acetal-forming conditions well known in the art, as described above for the conversion of the compounds of formula 68 to those of formula 7.

Isodihydroprostaglandin Fla and related prostaglandin-like compounds (compounds of formula 14A) are obtained by reduction of the compounds of formula 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 1 1A and 1 1B, with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as platinum, Raney nickel, cobalt hydrocarbonyl, and palladium (about 100-300 mg. of 30 percent palladium on carbon per gram of compound to be reduced) at about room temperature until hydrogen uptake ceases. The reaction is carried out in a solvent, e.g., an alcohol. The product is recovered by conventional means, for example, by separating the catalyst by filtration and evaporating the filu'ate to leave a residue. When the compound reduced is an acetal (e.g., 10A, 10C, llA) the thus obtained residue is ordinarily dissolved in a solvent such as ether and washed with dilute acid to remove the acetal group. When removal of the acetal groups is not complete, the product is permitted to stand in dilute aqueous alcoholic acid solution until hydrolysis is complete and is then extracted. in either case the solvent is then evaporated to give the prostag'landin or prostaglandin-like compounds of formula 14A.

Reduction of compounds of formula to give compounds of formula 14A is accomplished by hydrogenation using palladium or rhodium as a catalyst. About 50 to 200 mg. of l to 5 percent rhodium or palladium on a support such as alumina, carbon, calcium carbonate and the like is used per gram of compound to be reduced. The reaction is carried out in a solvent, e.g., an alcohol, preferably at room temperature. When the theoretical amount of hydrogen has been absorbed, the product is recovered from the reaction mixture in a conventional manner, for example,by filtering to remove the catalyst and evaporating the filtrate to leave the product as a residue. Reduction of compounds of formula 118 to compounds of formula 14A is accomplished by treating the starting compounds with, for example, metal hydride such as lithium tritert-butoxyaluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, and the like, or with hydrogen and a catalyst such as platinum or Raney nickel. In either case the product is isolated by conventional means. When a metal hydride is used the product is recovered, for example, by acidifying the reaction mixture then extracting with a water-immiscible organic solvent and evaporation of the solvent. When the starting compound is reduced by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst, the product is recovered, for example, by separating the catalyst by filtration, and evaporating the solvent.

The compounds of formula 14C, the 3,5-acetals of the compounds of formula 14A, are obtained by reduction of compounds lOA, 10C and MA as described above with hydrogen and a catalyst such as platinum, Raney nickel, palladium and rhodium, in a solvent such as an alcohol. The product is recovered, for example, by removing the catalyst by filtration and evaporating the filtrate. Compounds of formula 14C can also be obtained from compounds of formula MA by reduction with a metal hydride and subsequent isolation as described above forthe reduction of 1 1B.

Dihydroprostaglandin Fla and related prostaglandins (compounds of formula 15) are obtained by reduction of com pounds 10A, 10B, 10C and lOD under conditions leading to rearrangement of the unsaturated side chain at the point of attachment to the cyclopentane ring. This is accomplished, for example, by heating amixture of the compound to be reduced and a typical hydrogen mobilizing cataly t, for example, prereduced 30 percent palladium on carbon, Raney nickel, platinum, or cobalt hydrocarbonyl in a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tetrahydrofuran, and the like at reflux temperature for a period of several hours. The reaction mixture is then hydrogenated, preferably at room temperature, until uptake of hydrogen ceases. The product is recovered by conventional methods, for example, the catalyst is separated by filtration and the filtrate is evaporated leaving the product as a residue. If an acetal group is present, as in the reduction of compounds of formula 10A and 10C, the product is dissolved in a solvent, e.g., ether or tetrahydrofuran, and washed with an aqueous strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to complete removal of the acetal group.

The prostaglandins (compounds of formula 15) and isoprostaglandins (compounds of formula 14A) obtained as described above, are sometimes crystalline, in which case purification is possible by conventional means such as crystallization, chromatography over Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate) of silica gel, or a combination of methods. Often the 1 compounds of formulas 15 and 14A are oils, in which case conventionalchromatography is the preferred means of purification. Other means such as countercurrent extraction and with a dilute alkali such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, or

sodium or potassium carbonate or bicarbonate, in an aqueousorganic solvent mixture. The product'is recovered in a conventional manner, for example, by acidification of the reaction mixture and extraction with a water-immiscible solvent,

.use of an ion exchange resin, etc. The thus-obtained free acid,

if desired, can beesterifred, for example, with a diazoalkane or by other conventional methods for esten'fication of an organic carboxylic acid to give the corresponding alkyl esters.

Compounds 10B-D, 11, 12B-D, 13, 14A, 14B and 15 contrain from one to three-hydroxy groups which can be acylated by conventional means. The acylates can be hydrolyzed with alkali or acid in a conventional manner. It is obvious that almost any combination of free and esterified hydroxyl groups, with the ester group being the same-or difierent, is obtainable by conventional means, e.g., selective esterification, selective hydrolysis, esterification at difierent stages of reduction, etc.

The racemic products and intermediates of this invention can be resolved into their optically active components by a number of methods of resolution well known in the art. Compounds lA-D, 11A and 11B, l2A-D, 13A and 13B, 14A-D and 15 all can be obtained as free acids. These acids can be treated with and optically active base, e.g., cinchonine, quinine, or d-and l-oi-phenylethylamine to produce diastereolsomeric salts which can be separated by crystallization. Alternatively, the acid may be esterified with an optically active alcohol, e.g., d and lmenthol, estradiol 3-acetate, and the diastereoisomeric'esters then resolved. The compounds containing free hydroxyl groups, e.g., the compounds of formulas l, 2, 3B, 3C, 3D, 68, 9C, 10B, 10C, 10D, 11B, l4A D, and 15 can be acylated with the acid chloride or anhydride of an optically active acid, or the free acid in the presence of an 'esterification 1 catalyst, e.g., d-damphorsulfonic acid, abromocamphor- -sulfonic acid, and dand l-6,6- dinitrodiphenicacid, to give diasteroeisomeric esters which are resolvable by crystallization. Other chemical methods of resolution include acetal formation using an optically active aldehyde followed by resolution of the resulting diastereoisomers. This is appropriate for any of the acetals of this invention. 7

Resolution of the racemic prostaglandins and with a biologically active prosthelandin transforming system, for example, the lS-dehydrogenating system present in lung such as guineapig, rat, and pig lung and inmicroorganisms such as fungi.- Such transformation can be carried out by incubation or perfusionusing methodswell established in the art, followed by isolation and recovery of the isomer resistant to the metabolic transformation applied.

The sequence of steps in the process of this invention can be rearranged, and equivalent reagents can be found besides those mentioned, without'departing from the spirit of the invention. Some alternative routes have been included, but to 33.6 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1,3-indanedione having a melting point of 163-l65 C. A portion was recrystallized from tetrahydrofuran giving pure 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol ,3- indanedione having a melting point of l63-l 65 C., U.V. absorption EtOH"'- 244 mu, =l5,000, infrared absorption 3,034, 2,680, 2,520, 2,500, 1,642, 1,582, 1,525, 1,232 and 1,170 cm", and the analysis:' 4 Calcd. for CaH Q: C, 71.98; H, 7.51. v

Found: C, 71.51; H, 6.80.

Preparation 2 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,B-indanedione -1) A mixture of 455 g. of 4-cyclopentene-l,3-dione, 26.2 ml. of glacial acetic acid, 1.75 g. of pyrogallol and 1,050 ml. of benzene was placed in anautoclave and cooled to 5 C. or lower, then 700 ml. of liquid butadiene was added. The autoclave and contents wasallowed to warm to room tempera ture while stirring for two hours, then was allowed to stand at room temperature for 12 days.'The precipitated solid was removed by filtration and dried at 50C. under diminished pressure to give 472 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,3-indanedione having a melting point of 158-161 C. and a U.V. absorption Et0H,""- 244 mu, =l5,l50.

Example 1 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3acz,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a, 3B-indanediol 3B) A solution of 10.0 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,3-indanedione in 220 ml. of absolute ethanol was heated at reflux under nitrogen while 18.0 g. of sodium in small chunks was added as rapidly as posible without foaming over. The mixture was heated at reflux for a total of 3 hours, then was cooled, diluted with 500 ml. of water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract 'was concentrated by evaporation under diminished pressure to yield a neutral yellow oil comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol and racemic 3ad,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol. The

describe all possibilities would expand this disclosure needlessly. Also, where discussion of difierent possible isometric intermediates would not aid in describing the invention, such discussion has been omitted.

Preparation 1 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1,3-indanedione (1) A solution of 26 g. of 4-cyclopentene-l,3-dione and 0.1 g. of pyrogallol in 60 ml. of benzene and 1.5 ml. of acetic acid was cooled in an ice bath and 40 ml. of liquid butadiene was added. The mixture was sealed in a glass pressure vessel and allowed to stand at room temperature for 12 days. The product precipitated and was removed by filtration to give yellow oil was chromatographed over Florisil (synthetic mag-, nesium silicates) and eluted with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B (mixed hexanes). The first two product fractions in the 15 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates were combined, and gave 0.525 g. of crystals melting at 102-l06C., which on recrystallization from acetone-Skellysolve B mixture gave racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1 0:,3fi-indanediol having a melting point of l06l07C., infared absorption ltNujol;""-" 3,300, 3,060, 1,650, 1,215, 1,152, 1,100 and 1,050cm and the following. Anal. Calcd. for C,H,,O,: C, 70.10; H, 9.15

Found: C, 70.34; H, 9.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed two CH-O ab-- sorption peaks, confirming that the diol melting at 106-107 C. is a trans diol.

The remainder of the 15 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates and the 20 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates were combined and evaporated to give 2.62 g. of crystals com prising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-laa,3aindanediol having a melting point of 7680"C.; on recrystallization from acetone- Example 2 Racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-Ia hydroxy-3 indanone (2) and racemic 3aa,4,7',7aa -tetrahydro- 1B- hydroxy-B-indan'one (2) k A solution of 5.0 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-1,3-indanedione in ml. of isopropyl alcohol was heated at reflux under nitrogen, then 9.0 g. of sodium in pieces was added as rapidly as possible and the mixture was heated at reflux until the sodium dissolved. The mixture was then cooled, diluted with water, and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were combined, washed with water, and evaporated to give 2.34 g. of an oil which was chromatographed over Florisil and eluted with acetone-Skellysolve B. On evaporation of the 10 percent acetone-Skellysolve B eluate there was obtained 1.546 g. of an oil comprising racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a-hydroxy-3-indanone and racemic 3a4,7,7l aa-tetrahydro-1B-hydroxy-3-indanone having infrared absorption maxima )tCl-l Cl at 3,700, 3,500, and 1,735 cm. The 1,735 cm'- absorption indicates the presence of a carbonyl group.

Example 3 Racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la-hydroxy-3- indanone (2) and racemic 3aa-4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1B- hydroxy-3-indanone (2 A solution of 3.0 g. of lithium in 400 ml. of liquid ammonia was prepared and a solution of 5.0 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-l,3-indanedione in 100 ml. of absolute ethanol was added dropwise. When about three-fourths of the solution of indanedione in ethanol had been added the blue color of the Li/Nl-l disappeared, and an additional 2 g. of lithium was added, then addition of the indanedione was completed. The mixture was stirred until the blue color disappeared, then the ammonia was evaporated on a steam bath under a stream of air giving a residue which dissolved by addition of 400 ml. of ethyl acetate and 200 ml. of water and stirring. The ethyl acetate layer was separated and the solvent removed by evaporation to give 5.] g. of an oil comprising racemic 3au,4, 7.7aa-tetrahydro-la-hydrxy-3-indanone and racemic 3aa- 4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a hydroxy-3-indanone having infrared absorption maxima identical with that shown by the product obtained in Example 2.

Example 4 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a3a-indanedio1 (3A) A solution of 5.1 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la-hydroxy- 3-indanone (obtained in Example 3) was dissolved in 100 ml. of absolute ether and excess lithium aluminum hydride was added. The thus-obtained mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours and ethyl acetate was added to destroy the excess lithium aluminum hydride, then saturated aqueous sodium sulfate was added. The mixture was filtered and the or ganic layer was separated and evaporated to give a residue comprising a mixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro 1a,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol, which on crystallization from a mixture of methylene chloride and Skellysolve B (mixed hexanes) gave 2.05 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol having a melting point of 81-84C. The mother liquors from this crystallization are evaporated and the thus-obtained residue is chromatographed following the procedure of Example 1 to obtain racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrolaa3a-indanediol.

Example 5 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) A solution of 4.9 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a-hydroxy- 3-indanone in 25 ml. of methanol was added to 400 ml. of liquid ammonia, then 1.5 g. of lithium metal was added rapidly. A blue color developed which disappeared after about 5 minutes, then g. of ammonium chloride was added and the ammonia was evaporated under a current of air while heating on the steam bath, giving a residue which was taken up in a mixture of ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate layer was separated and the water layer was extracted with a second portion of ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate solutions were combined and evaporated to yield a crystalline residue which on crystallization from a mixture of methylene chloride and Skellysolve B gave 1.65 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3a-indanediol having a melting point of 7880C. The mother liquors are evaporated to give a residue which is chromatographed following the procedure of Example 1 to obtain racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3B-indanediol.

Example 6 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3fl-indanediol (3B) A solution of 20.0 g. of laa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l ,3-indanedione in 150 ml. of absolute ethanol was added to a solution of 10.0 g. of lithium wire in 1,000 ml. of liquid ammonia and stirred until the blue color disappeared. The mixture was heated on the steam bath and the ammonia was evaporated under a stream of air leaving a residuerThe thus-obtained residue was taken up in 1,000 mi. of ethyl acetate and 500 ml. of water. The ethyl acetate layer was separated and washed twice with 500-m1. portions of water, then the ethyl acetate was removed by evaporation in vacuo under diminished pressure to give a colorless oil. The thus-obtained oil was dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute ether and 5.0 g. of lithium aluminum hydride was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours, then excess lithium aluminum hydride was destroyed by addition first of ethyl acetate and then saturated aqueous sodium sulfate. The organic layer was separated by decantation and filtered. Addition of methylene chloride and Skellysolve B caused precipitation of crystals. The solvent was removed from the entire mixture by evaporation under diminished pressure giving 16.38 g. of a crystalline residue comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3B-indanediol.

Example 7 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1-hydroxy-a-methy1-2- indanemethanol (3C) A mixture of 2.0 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,3-indanedione, ml. of tetrahydrofuran, and excess lithium aluminum hydride was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then for an additional 30 minutes while heated under reflux. The excess hydride was decomposed by the cautious addition of first ethyl acetate and then water. The mixture was filtered and the solvent was removed by evaporation under diminished pressure to give 2.2 g. of a crystalline residue, which was chromatographed over Florisil and eluted with 10 percent acetone in Skellysolve B (mixed hexanes), then with 20 percent acetone in Skellysolve B. The 10 percent acetone- Skellysolve B eluates to give 1.005 g. of a residue which was twice recrystallized from a mixture of ether and Skellysolve B to give 0.67 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1-hydroxy-a-methyl- Z-indanemethanol having a melting point of 99-101C., infrared absorption maxima (Nujol) at 3,390, 3,330,3,020, 1,655, 1,112, 1,100 and 1,035 cm". and the following.

Anal. Calcd. for c,,ri,,o,= C, 72.49;l-1, 9.96, M.W. 182.25

Found: C, 72.49; H, 9.79, M.W. 179

Nuclear magnetic resonance absorption at +17] cps. (.l-6)

confirmed the presence of a CH -CH group.

Example 8 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l-hydroxy-oz-phenyl-Z- indanemethanol (3D) A mixture of 3.0 g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1,3-indanedione, ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 3.0 g. of lithium aluminum hydride was heated -under reflux for 45 minutes. The mixture was cooled and 20 ml. of methyl benzoate was added followed by saturated aqueous sodium sulfate. The mixture was filtered and then the solvent from the filtrate was removed by evaporation under diminished pressure, leaving a residue which was recrystallized from Skellysolve B to give 1.02 g. of crystalline 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l-hydroxy-aphenyI-Z-indanemethanol which after recrystallization from chloroform had a melting point of l56l59C., infrared absorptionmaxima (Nujol) at 3,480, 3,360, 3,020, 1,648, 1,602, 1,584, 1,489, 1,185, 1,103, 1,085 and 1,070 cm. and the following analysis.

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 78.65; H, 8.25

Found: C, 78.02; H, 8.16

A nuclear magnetic resonance peakat 450 cps. confirmed the presence of a -gr0tlpi A solution of 7.5 g. of a mixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro- 1a,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-102,3;9- indanediol in 100 ml. of pyridine was cooled in an ice bath and 16 ml. of benzoyl chloride was added with stirring. The mixture was allowed to stir about 18 hours while the temperature rose gradually to room temperature. The mixture was then poured into ice and water and neutralized with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The resulting mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the methylene chloride extract was separated and washed first with dilute hydrochloric acid then with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The

methylene chloride solution was evaporated to give a residue comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lq,3a-indanediol dibenzoate and racemic 3aa4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol dibenzoate which was dissolved in Skellysolve B and chromatographed over Florisil. n elution with 1 percent acetone in 'Skellysolve B the first three product-containing fractions gave partially crystalline residues. These were triturated with methanol, then recrystallized from methanol to give 1.73 g. of racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3fl-indanediol dibenzoate having a melting point of 88-89C., infrared absorption maxima in Nujol at 1,710, l,600,l,5 85, 1,115, 1,070,

1,050, and 710 cm"., and the following analysis. Anal. Calcd. for C l-k0 C, 76.22; H, 6.12

Found: C, 76.17; H, 6.27

Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that this compound was the trans dibenzoate.

The mother liquors from the above trituration-recrystallization of the trans dibenzoate were combined with the remaining product containing fractions from the above chromatocrystallization and was removed by filtration. The filtrate was again cooled under a stream of air and seeded, and the above gram and the solvents were removed by evaporation, giving a residue which was chromatographed over Florisil and elut'ed in 20 fractions'with a gradient of 0 to 1 percent acetone in Skellysolve B. Fractions 10-15 were combined to give 5.911

Fractions 16-20 were combined to give 1.76 g. of residue comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol g. of residue which on trituration with methanol in a dry-ice dibenZoate'Fraction 18. was shown by nuclear magnetic resonanceanalysis to be pure cis dibenzoate.

A solution of 44.4 'g. of a mixture of 3anz,4,7,7aatetrahydroindane-la,3a-diol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-

-tetrahydroindane-l01,3fi-diol in 600 ml. of pyridine was cooled in an ice bath and 120 ml. of benzoyl chloride was added dropwise with stirring. The ice bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 A hours. The mixture was then diluted with 2,000 ml. of methylene chloride and washed with 1,500 ml. of a mixture of 1 vol. of concentrated hydrochloric acid to 1 volume of water. The aqueous wash was rewashed with about 500 ml. of methylene chloride. The methylene chloride solutions were combined and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and then with water. The thus-obtained methylene chloride solution was poured centrated to a sirupy residue by evaporation under diminished pressure.*'lhe above residue was dissolved in 500 ml. of

methanol-and filtered'through a sintered glass funnel. The

mixture was cooled by evaporation under a stream of air and seeded with j racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3fl-ind anediol dibenzoate. The trans dibenzoate separated by procedure was repeated until no more crystals were obtained. By this process 49.5 g. of racemic Baa, 4,7,7aa-tetrahydroindane-la,3fldiol dibenzoate having a melting point of 78-82 C. was obtained. The methanol was thenremoved from the filtrate by evaporation under diminished pressure to yield a 64.5 g. sirup comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydroindane-la ,3a-diol dibenzoate.

Example 11 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-10:,3a-indanediol diacetate and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3aindanediol diacetate A solution of 10 g. of amixture of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrola,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-101,35 indanediol in ml. of pyridine and 50ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for about 18 hours. The mixture is then poured into 1,000 ml. of ice and water, stirred, and extracted with three 200ml. of methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts are combined, washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid and then with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and the solvent is removed by evaporation under diminished pressure to yield a residue comprising 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-ltailor-indanediol diacetate and racemic 3aa,4,7,7-tetrahydro la,3fi-indanediol diacetate which can be separated by-crystallization, chromatography or-a combination of chromatography and crystallization.

Treating at a temperature between 0C. and 30C. a 3aa',4,7

,7aa.-tetrahydro-la,3a-(or-3B)-indanediol with an acylating agent such as an organic carboxylic acid anhydride or halide preferably in pyridine solution yields the corresponding 1,3- diesters of the starting material. Representative esters thus ob- .tained include the.v 1,3-dipropionate, dibutyrate, dihexanoate,

Example 12 Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1B,3a-

dihydroxy-5( 4H)-indanone dibenzoate 5B) A solution of 1.8 of racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la ,3B-indanediol dibenzoatein 25 ml. of absolute ether was cooled inan ice bath and 2 ml. of a 1.9 molar solution of,

diborane in tetrahydrofuran was added. .The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, then-the excess diborane was decomposed by addition of water. A- mixture of 1.6 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid, 2.0 g. of sodium dichromate and 9.0 ml. of water was added cautiously with stirring and the mixture was allowed to stir for 40 hours. The ethereal layer was separated and the aqueous layer was re-extracted with methylene chloride. The ether and methylene chloride extracts were combined and washed with water and then saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The solvent was removed by evaporation to yield a crystalline residue which was dissolved in Skellysolve B and chromatographedover Florisil. Elution with 10 percent acetone in 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lB,3a-dihydroxy- 5(4l-1)-indanone dibenzoate which was recrystallized from acetone-Skellysolve B to yield 1.03 g. of an analytical sample having a melting point of 144- 1 46C. Anal. Calcd. for c,,n,,o,= C, 73.00; H, 5.86

Found: C, 72.70; H, 6.26

Following the procedure of Example 12 but substituting racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3fi-indanediol diacetate for racemic .3aa-4,7,7aa-tetrahydro 1a,3fl-indanediol dibenzoate as starting material is productive of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l3,3a-dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone diacetate. Substituting other racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrola,3fi-indanediol diacylates, for example those named follow- A solution of 7.29 g. of crude 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la ,Ba-indanediol dibenzoate (shown by vapor phase chromatography to be 75 percent la,3a-diol dibenzoate and 25% 101,313- diol dibenzoate) in 75 ml. of absolute ether was cooled in an ice bath and 8 ml. of a 1.9 molar solution of diborane in tetrahydrofuran was added. The mixture was stirred for an hour and then the excess hydride was decomposed by addition of water. A mixture of 6.4 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid, 8.0 g. of sodium dichromate and 30 ml. of water was added cautiously and the resulting mixture was stirred for about 18 hours at room temperature. The ether layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether and methylene chloride. The ether layer and extracts were combined, washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and then with water, and evaporated to give a residue which was chromatographed over Florisil and eluted with percent and percent acetone in Skellysolve B. The 5 percent acetone eluates were evaporated to give 0.31 g. of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro- 1B,3a-dihydroxy5(41-1) indanone dibenzoate having a melting point of l37-l42C.

The 10 percent acetone eluates of the above chromatogram were combined and evaporated to give 3.164 g. of a residue which on crystallization from ether gave 2.05 g. of racemic 3aa,6,7,7-tetrahydrol a,3a-dihydrox-5(4H)-indanone dibenzoate having a melting point of l08-1l2C., infrared absorption maxima at 3,060, 3,050, 1,710, 1,605, 1,505, 1,470, 1,280, 1,113 and 705 cm.

Example 14 Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-101,301- dihydroxy-S 4H)-indanone dibenzoate (5A) A. Racemic danone (2) A solution of g. of 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l,3-indanedione in 150 ml. of absolute ether was added to a solution of 10 g. of lithium in 1,000 ml. of liquid ammonia. The blue colored mixture was stirred until the color disappeared, then the ammonia was evaporated under a stream of air while heating on a steam bath and 1,000 ml. of ethyl acetate was added, followed by 500 ml. of water. The ethyl acetate layer was separated and washed twice with 500 ml. of portions of water, then the ethyl acetate was removed by evaporation leaving a residue comprising racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-lahydroxy-B-indanone.

B. 3aa-4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3a-indanediol (3A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3B-indanediol (3B) The residue of racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la-hydroxy-3'indanone (from A, above) was dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute ether and excess lithium aluminum hydride was added with stirring. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours then the excess hydride was decomposed by adding first ethyl acetate then saturated aqueous sodium sulfate. The mixture was filtered and the ether layer was separated. The ether was removed by evaporation and methylene chloride and Skellysolve B were added, resulting in crystallization of the residue. The solvents were removed by evaporation under diminished pressure to give 16.38 g. of a crystalline residue, comprising a mixture of 3aa-4,7,7aatetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro- 1 01,3 fi-indanediol.

C. 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3a-indanediol benzoate (4A) and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3B-indanediol dibenzoate (4B) A mixture of 30.2 g. of crude 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la ,3a-indanediol and racemic 3aa-4,7,7-tetrahydro-la,3B-indanediol (prepared in two runs as in B, above) was dissolved in 225 ml. of pyridine and cooled in an ice bath, then 60 ml. of banzoyl chloride was added slowly with stirring. The reaction mixture was then stirred for about 18 hours at room temperature, then was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with water. The methylene chloride layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts were combined and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, then with dilute ice 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a-hydroxy-S-incold hydrochloric acid and again with aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate. The methylene chloride was removed by evaporation and the residual syrup was dissolved in methylene chloride and passed over a 200 g. Florisil column. The column was eluted with 2,000 ml. of methylene chloride and the solvent was removed from the eluate by evaporation under diminished pressure to yield 78 g. of a mixture comprising 3aa,4,7,7a-teu'ahydro-la,3a-indanediol dibenzoate and racemic 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a,3fl-indanediol dibenzoate.

D. Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5 (4H)-indanone dibenzoate (5A) and racemic 3aa,6,7,7aatetrahydro-lB,3a-dihydroxy-5(4l-l)-indanone dibenzoate A solution of 78 g. of a mixture of crude 3aa,4,7,7aatetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol dibenzoate and racemic 3aa,4,7 ,7aa-tetrahydro-10:,3B-indanedi0l dibenzoate (from C, above) in 800 m1. of absolute ether was cooled in an ice bath, and ml. of a solution of 1.9 molar diborane in tetrahydrofuran was added. After 1.5 hours no excess hydride was present, and a further 30 ml. of 1.9 molar diborane solution was added. The mixture was then stirred for 4 hours at room temperature after which excess hydride was decomposed by the addition of water and an oxidizing mixture of 86 g. of sodium dichromate, 75 ml. of sulfuric acid and 400 ml. of water was added cautiously. The resulting mixture was stirred for about 18 hours at room temperature and the aqueous layer again extracted with ether. The ether extracts were combined and washed first with water and then with aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate. Thesolvents were removed by evaporation and the residue was mixed with 300 ml. of ether and refrigerated to give 28.03 g. of crystalline product comprising a mixture of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4l-l)-indanone dibenzoate and racemic 3aa,6,7,7aatetrahydro-l B,3a-dihydroxy-5(4l-1)-indanone dibenzoate having a melting point of 101-102C. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis established that this product was 90 percent cis 101,301) isomer.

Example 15 Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3adihydroxy-5(4l-l)-indanone dibenzoate (5A) A solution of 112.5 g. of crude 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-1a, 3a-indanediol dibenzoate (prepared as in Example 10) in 1,130 ml. of absolute ether and ml. of tetrahydrofuran was stirred while the reaction system was flushed with nitrogen to remove air. Stirring was continued while diborane was passed in untilan excess was present, as shown by bubbling when a drop of the reaction mixture was added to 1 ml. of water. Addition of the diborane required about 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for about 4.5 hours, then excess diborane was decomposed by dropwise addition of water. The mixture was then cooled in an ice bath and stirred while a mixture of 130 g. of sodium dichromate, 650 ml. of water, and ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid was added cautiously, then stirring was continued at room temperature for about 18 hours. The organic layer was then separated and the aqueous layer was twice extracted with ether and once with methylene chloride. The organic layers were combined and washed with water, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and again with water. The solvent was removed by evaporation under diminished pressure yielding a light yellow syrup which was dissolved in about 400 ml. of absolute ether and refrigerated to allow crystallization. The crystals were separated by filtration to give 46.1 g. of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3adihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone dibenzoate having a melting point of l00109C.

Following the procedure of Example 15 but substituting 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol diacetate for 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-10:,3a-indanediol dibenzoate as starting material is productive of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro- 1a,3a-dihydroxy-5( 4l-l)-indanone diacetate. Following the ,7aa-tetrah ydro la,3a-indanediol,

procedure of Example l-but' substituting other acylates, for example the acylates named following Example 1 l, is productive of the corresponding racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la ,3a-dihydroxy-5(4l-l)-indanone diacylate.

Example 16 Racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-l11,30:- dihydroxy-5(4H )-indanone dibenzoate (5A).

stand for about 20 hours, after which a solution of 0.5 g. of

sodium sulfite in ml. of water was added. The mixture was then concentrated by evaporation under diminished pressure while heating witha bath at 40C. until the volume was reduced to about half. The concentrated mixture was then extracted3 times with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts were then washed with aqueous sodium chloride, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated giving a gum comprising racemic 6-bromo-3aa-4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-la,3a,5-indanetriol, l ,3-dibenzoate (4 C).

The thus-obtained crude bromohydrin was dissolved in 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid, cooled to 5-l0C., and treated with a solution precooled to 5-l0C., of 1.0 g. of chromium trioxide in 5 ml. of water and 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid. The resulting mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours at 5C., thenwas allowed to warm to room temperature during the succeeding half hour, and 3 ml. of methanol was added to the mixture. Five minutes after adding the methanol the mixture. was diluted with aqueous sodium chloride and extracted 3 times with methylene chloride. The extracts were combined and washed cautiouslyv with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, then with aqueous sodium chloride, back-extracting each time. The extracts were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated under diminished pressure to give a residue comprising racemic 6-bromo-3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-101,301- dihydroxy-S(4H)-indanonedibenzoate (4D).

' The thus-obtained crude bromoketone was dissolved in a mixture of 10 ml. of methanol and 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid, then 2 g. of zinc dust was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 2 hours. The mixture was filtered and the zinc residues werewashed with methylene chloride. The combined filtrate was concentrated to a small volume by evaporation under reduced pressure, and the residual solution was diluted with aqueous sodium chloride and extracted 3 times with methylene chloride. The extracts were combined, washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and with aqueous sodium chloride back-extracting each time, then dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a residue which was crystallized from 15 mLof anhydrous ether to give 1.00 g. of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-101,30:- dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone dibenzoate (5A) having a melting point of l02-l08C. Following the procedure of Example l6 but substituting for 3aa,4,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-indanediol dibenzoate asstarting material other 1,3-diacylates of 3aa,4,7 e.g., the acetate, propionate, butyrate, hexanoate, octanoate, laurate, phenylacetate, phenylpropionate, and the like is productive of the corresponding 1,3-di'acylates of racemic 6-bromo-3aa ,4,5,6,7,7aahexahydro-la,3a,5-indanetriol (4C), racemic 6- bromo-3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydrol a,3a-dihydroxy-5( 4H)-indanone 1 (4D) and racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-141,30:- dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone (5A).

Example 17 Racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5q-pentylla,3or,5fi-indanetri0l (6B) 'An ether solution of n-amyl magnesium bromide was prepared from 30 ml. of l-bromopentane in 200 ml. of ether and 10 g. of magnesium, then 130 ml. of this Grignard solution was added to a solution of 11.5 g. of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-

tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5(4H)-indanone dibenzoate in 80 ml. of benzene and the mixture was heated for 1 hour under reflux. Excess Grignard reagent was then decomposed by addition'of water. Rochelle salts were added, then ether and tetrahydrofuran and the solid residue was removed by liltration. The solid residue was leached several times with boiling ethyl acetate. The leachings were combined and concentrated by evaporation to give a residue which was crystallized from ethyl acetate to give 3.14 g. of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa,- hexahydro-Sa-pentyl-la,3a,5fi-indanetriol having a melting point of -l65-l67C. and infrared absorption maxirna (Nujol solution) of 3,300 and 1,077 cm" Anal. Calcd. for G i-L 0 C 69.38; h, 10.81

Found: C, 68.77; h, 10.8]

Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed the structure to be correct. Example 18 Racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-5a-pentylla,3a,5B-indaneu'iol (6B) and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-pentyI-la,3a,5a-indanetriol(6fi) g A solution of n-amyl magnesium bromide was prepared by adding a solution of 273 ml. of l-bromopentane in 500 ml. of absolute ether to a suspension of 53.5 g. of magnesium tumings in 400 ml. of absolute ether, and 120 ml. of this amyl magnesium bromide solution l.88 M) was added dropwise with stirring to a solution of 10.08 g. of 3aa,6,7,7aa tetrahydrol a,3o-dihydroxy-5( 4H )-indanone v dibenzoate (prepared as in Example 15) in 75 ml. of benzene at room temperature. The mixture was then heated under reflux for 2 hours. The excess Grignard reagent was decomposed by addition of water until the inorganic material was a freely stirring white solid. The mixture was then diluted with 250 ml. of Skellysolve 8 mixed hexanes and the solids were removed by filtration. The solid filter cake was leached with six 250-ml. portions of boiling ethyl acetate and the leachings were combined and evaporated to give 7.23 g. of crystalline residue comprising racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Srr-pentyl-101,301,53-,

indanetriol and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fi-pentyl-la,3a,5a-indanetriol. This residue was leached at room temperature with 250 ml. of Skellysolve B and filtered to give 4.53 g. of a crystalline mixture of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aahexahydro-Sa-pentyl-la,3a,Sfi-indanetriol and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fi-pentyll a,3a,5a-indanetriol having a melting point of l62l66C. Further crystallization affords essentially pure racemic 3aa-,4,5,6,7,7aa hexahydro- Sa-pentyl-la,3a,5p-indanetriol. If desired, the combined mother liquors from the crystallizations can be chromatog raphed, e.g., over Florisil, to give additional quantities of the above racemic 3a,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a-pentyl-1a,3a,5fi indanetriol as well as essentially purified fractions compris ing the racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-pentyl-101,3 a,5a-indanetriol.

Following the procedure of Examples 17 and 18, above, but replacing racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy-5 (4H)-indanone dibenzoate" as starting material with other 1,3- diacylates of racemic dihydroxy-5[4l-l]-indanone, e.g., the l,3-diacetate, dipropionate, dibutyrate, dihexanoaic, dilaurate, di(phenylacetate), di(phenylpropionate) and the like is productive of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-pentyl-la,3a,5B-indanetriol and racemic 3aa,4,5,6,-7,7aa-hexahydro-5B-pentylla,3a,5a-indanetriol.

Following the procedure of Examples 17 and 18, above, but

substituting other alkyl metal halides or dialkyl cadmium com-.

pounds for n-amyl magnesium. bromide is productive of the corresponding racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a-( and 5fi)-alkyl-la,3a,5fi(and 5a)-indanetn'ol. For example, treating racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-la,3a-dihydroxy5(4H)- indanone dibenzoate (or other l,3-diacylate) with methyl magnesium bromide, heptyl magnesium bromide, octyl magnesium bromide, 2-octy1 magnesium bromide, 3-octyl magnesium bromide and phenyl magnesium bromide is productive of racemic 311,4,5,6,7,7aq-hexahydro-a(and 5B)-methyl-1 a,3a,5fi (and 5a)-indanetn'ol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa (and 5 B)-ethyl-1a,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a (and 5fi)-propyl-l a,3a,5B(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aahexahydro-Sa (and 5fi)-isopropyl-la,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro5a)and 5B)- butyl-la,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro5a (and 5B)-(2-butyl)-1a,3a,5B(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro5a (and 53(4- butyl-la,3a,5fi-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa-4,5,6,7,7 awhexahydro-Sa (and 5B)-(2-amyl)-1a,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a (and 5B)-(3 -amyl)-la,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-Sa (and 5B)-hexyl-la,3a,5B-(and 5 a-)indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a (and 5B)-( 2 -hexy1)-l a,3a,5B (and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-Sa (and 5B)-heptyl-1a,3a,5}8 (and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a)and 5B)- octyl-la,3a,5/3(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3a,4,5,6,7,7aa-

hexahydro-5a(and 5B)-( 2-octyl)-1a,3a,5/3(and 5a)-indanetriol, racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a(and 5fi)-(3 octyl)-1a,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriol and racemic 3aa,4,5, 6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a (and 5B)-phenyl-la,3a,5fl(and 5a)- indanetriol. Example 19 la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-1a,3a-indanediol (7 )v A mixture of 0.50 g. of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro- Sa-n-amyl-la,3a,5B-indanetriol, 0.50 g. of p-nitrobenzaldehyde, 10 ml. of benzene, 10 ml. of xylene and 0.10 g. of ptoluenesulfonic acid was heated at reflux under a calcium carbide drying trap for 2.5 hours, thus accomplishing both dehydration and acetal formation, then was cooled and shaken first with aqueous saturated sodium bisulfite then with aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate. The organic solution was separated and the solvent was removed by evaporation leaving a residue which was dissolved in Skellysolve B and chromatographed over Florisil then eluted with Skellysolve B containing acetone. The 3 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates 0.498 g. of the 1a,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-1a,3a-indanediol which after crystallization from methanol melted at 4953C. and had infrared absorption maxima (Nujol solution) at 3,100, 3,000, 1,609, 1,525, 1,350, 1,087, 1,034, 745 and 692 cm. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

Example 20 1a,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-1a,3a-indanediol (7) A mixture of 16.9 g. of mixed racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-amyl-la,3a,5B-indanetriol and racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fl-amyll a,3a,5a-indanetriol (prepared as in Example 18), 250 ml. of benzene, 250 ml. of p-xylene, 16.9 g. of p-nitrobenzaldehyde and 1.0 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid was heated at reflux under a Dean Stauk water trap and in an atmosphere of nitrogen for 3 hours. This accomplished both dehydration and acetal formation. The mixture was cooled and shaken with saturated aqueous sodium bisulfite, then the solids were removed by filtration and the aqueous and organic layers separated. The organic layer was again washed with saturated aqueous sodium bisulfite, then with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and finally with water. The organic layer was evaporated under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and chromatographed over Florisil. Elution was with 1 percent acetone in Skellysolve B. The eluates were evaporated and the crystalline residues were recrystallized by dissolving in ether and adding methanol. There was thus obtained a first crop of 14.02 g. of crystals comprising the la,3a-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-101,30-

indanediol having a melting point of 54-56C. A further 2.41 g. was obtained by removing the solvent from the mother liquors.

Following the procedure of Examples 19 and 20 but replacing 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a(and 5fl)-amyl-la,3a,5fi (and 5a)-indanetriol with other 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro- 5a(and 5B)-a1kyl-1a,3a,5B-(and 5a)-indanetriols, for example those named following Example 18 is productive of the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyl-1a,3a-indanediol.

, Following the procedure of Examples 19 and 20 but replacing p-nitrobenzaldehyde with other aldehydes such as'formaldehyde acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, pbromobenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde and p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde is productive of the corresponding racemic la,3a-acetal of 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-S-amyl-la,3a-indanediol. Similarly, following the procedure of Examples 19 and 20 but replacing p-nitrobenzaldehyde with other aldehydes such as those mentioned above and replacing racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a( and 5B)-amyll a,3a,5fi( and 5a)-indanetriol with another racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a(and 5B)-alkyl-la,3a,5fl(and 5oz)-indanetriol, for example, one named following Example 18, is productive of the corresponding racemic la,3a-acetal of racemic 3aa,6,7,7 aa-tetrahydro-S-alkyl-1a,3a-indanediol.

Example 21 1a,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B-amyll 0,304,401,501- indanetetrol 8) A solution of 0.55 g. of the p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-1a,3a-indanediol and 0.44 g. of osmium tetroxide in 25 ml. of absolute ether was stirred at room temperature for about 18 hours, then the mixture was diluted with 25 m1. of tetrahydrofuran and cooled in an ice bath while gaseous hydrogen sulfide ,was bubbled through for 5 minutes. The solution was then filtered and the solvent was removed from the filtrate by evaporation under diminished pressure giving 0.435 g. of a crystalline residue which was recrystallized from a mixture of ether and Skellysolve B to give 0.106 g. of the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B-amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol having a melting point of 167l70C. A further crystallization from acetonegave an analytical sample of the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-SB-amyl-1a,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol having a melting point of 170175C.

Anal. Calcd, for C ,1-l O N:C,'64.43;l-l, 7.47; N, 3.58

Found: C, 64.10; H, 7.94; N, 3.58 The structure was confinned by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Example 22 la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B-amyl-1a,3a,4a,5aidanetetraol (8) and la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-amyl-1a,3a,4B,5fi-indanetetraol (8) A solution of 14.02 g. of the 1a,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3am,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-l01,30:- indanediol (prepared as in Example 20) in 400 ml. of absolute ether was cooled in an ice bath and 12.3 g. of osmium tetroxide was added with stirring. The mixture was stirred for about 18 hours while the temperature rose gradually to room temperature. Hydrogen sulfide was then bubbled through the mixture for 10 minutes. The mixture was filteredthrough Celite (diatomaceous earth filter aid) and the solvent was removed from the filtrate by evaporation under diminished pressure leaving 10.75 g. of residue comprising a mixture of the 101,30:- p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-amyLla,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the 1a,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydrb-Sa-amyl-1a,3a,4B,5B-indanetetrol. This residue was recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to give 1.22 g. of crude la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fl-amyl-la,3a,4B,5a-indanetetrol having a melting point of l63-l 66C. The mother liquors from this crystallization were chromatographed over Florisil and eluted with Skellysolve 8 containing 10 to 20 percent acetone to give 4.66 g. of crystalline product comprising the la,3a-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-a-arnyl-la,3a,4B,5fi-indanetetrol having a melting point of 334 0C. Onrecrystallization from a mixture of ether and Skellysolve B an analytical sample of the Sa-amyl compound was obtained having amelting point of 4l44C.

Example 23 la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,aa-hexahydro-5B-amylla,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol (8A) and la,'3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7au-hexahydro-5a-amyl-la,3a,4fi,5B-indanetetraol (8B) A solution of 1.00 g. of the la,3a -p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-amyl-10,301- indanediol in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran was stirred while 25 mg. of osmiumtetroxide was added. A solution of 0.60 g. of sodium metaperiodate in 10 ml. of water was then added, followed by 0.60 g. of sodium acetate. The resulting mixture was heated under reflux with constant stirring for 24 hours, then it was concentrated to about a half volume by distillation under reduced pressure. The residual'mixture was cooled, diluted with an equal volume of water, and extracted three times with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts were combined, washed with aqueous sodium sulfite, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield a residue which was crystallized from a mixture of acetone and SkellysolveB to give 0.30 g. of the la,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sfi-amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol having a melting point of l55-l62 C. The mother liquors from the above crystallization were concentrated to dryness, dissolved in a minimum volume of a mixture of 30 percent ethyl acetate and 70 percent cyclohexane, and placed on a 75 g. column of silica gel. The column was eluted with 25 ml. portions of the same solvent mixture. Fractions 2-4 contained 300 mg. of unreacted starting material. Fractions 11-20 contained 336 mg. of a mixture of the 101,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fl-amyl-ld,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol andthe la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5a amyl-la,3a,4B,5fi-indanetetroL- Following the procedure of Examples 21,22 and 23 but substituting for the la,3anitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-S-amyl-la,3a-indanediol as starting material other S-alkyl indanediols, e.g., the la,3,a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,6,7,7adtetrahydro-S-alkyl-la,3a-indanediol wherein the alkyl group is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl, 2- amyl, 3-amyl, hexayl, 2-hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-octyl, 3-octyl, and the like is productive of the corresponding la,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro- 5fi-alltyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the 10:,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-alkyll a,3a,4fi,5B-indanetetrol.

Following the procedures of Examples 21, 22, and 23 but substituting for the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3au,6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5-alkyl-la,3a-indanediol other la,3'a-acetalsl of racemic 3aa,'6,7,7aa-tetrahydro-5 alkyl-la,3a-indanediol wherein the acetal group is derived from, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, p-bromobenzaldehyde, dehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde and the like is productive ofthe corresponding 'la,3d-acetals of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hex- .ahydro-Sfi-alkyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-alkyl-la,3a,4B,5B-indanetetrol. I

p-chlorobenzal- 3-'oxobutyl)cyclopentane-l fi-carboxaldehyde,

Example 24 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl )cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde (9A) A mixture of 0.5 g. of lead tetraacetate and 10 ml. of benzene was added to a mixture of 0. l 5 g. of the p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,'4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5flamyl-la,3a,4q,5a-indanetetrol in IQ ml. of benzene, then l5 ml. of toluene was added. After 'stirringat room temperature for 1 hour, saturated aqueous sodium thiosulfate was added and the organic layer was separated and filtered through Celite (diatomaceous filter aid). The solvent was removed from the filtrate by evaporation under diminished pressure to yield 0.147 g. of a colorless viscous oil comprising the 301,501:- p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B- (3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

Example 25 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2p-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel carboxaldehyde 9A) A suspension of 0.5 g. of a mixture comprising the la,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-SB-amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the la,3a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-amyl-la,3a,4B,5fl-indanetetrol (prepared as in Example 22) in 50 ml. of benzene was stirred at room temperature and 1.5 g. of lead tetraacetate was added. Stirring was continued for two hours then 10 ml. of ether and about 10 ml. of water was added. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the organic layer was separated, washed twice with water, and evaporated under diminished pressure to give 0.465 g. of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobe nzylidene. derivative of racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooct'yl)cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde. The structure was confirmed by infrared absorption analysis.

Following the procedure of Examples 24 and 25 but suba,3a,4aa( and 4B), 5a(and 5fl)-indanetetrol as starting material the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fl(and 5a)-alkyl-la,3a,'4a(and 4B),5 a(and 5B)-indanetetrolin which the alkyl group is, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl, 2- amyl, 3-amyl, hexyl, 2-hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-octyl and 3-octyl is productive of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racemic kyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde, e.g., the 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B- racemic 3a,5 a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxopentyl )cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-o'xohexyl)cyclopentane-lp-carboxaldehyde, racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy- 2B-( 3-oxo-4-methylpentyl )cyclopentanel fi-carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoheptyl)cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde, racemic 311,501- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxo-4-methylhexyl)cyclopentanel fi-carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxo-4,4- dimethylpentyl)-cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxo-4-methylheptyl)cyclopentane- 1p -carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxo-4- ethyIhexyUcycIopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde, racemic 3a,5a-

a,3a,4aa(and 4B), 5a(and 5B)-indanetetrol as starting material other la,3a-acetals of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro- 53(and 5a)-amyl-la,3a,4a(and 4B),5a(and 5B)-indanetetrol wherein the acetal group is derived from, e.g., formaldehyde,

acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, p-bromobenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde, 2,4,6-

trichlorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxy-benzaldehyde and the like is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-1B- carboxaldehyde.

Following the procedure of Examples 24 and 25 but substituting for the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-513(and 5a)-amyl-l a,3a,4a(and 4B),5a(and 5fl)-indanetetrol as starting material other la,3a-acetals of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B (and 5a)-alkyl-la,3a,4a(and 4fl),5oz(and 5B)-indanetetrol is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl )cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde.

Example 28 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-l3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopent -1B- yl] acrylate A) A mixture of 3.00 g. of a mixture of the 1a,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5B- amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5aamyl-la,3a,4B,5B-indanetetrol, 250 ml. of benzene and 9.0 g. of lead tetraacetate was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The mixture was then diluted with ether and water and filtered through Celite (diatomaceous earth). The filtrate was washed twice with water, and the solvent removed by evaporation at room temperature under reduced pressure to give 2.46 g. of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel ,B-carboxaldehyde as an oil.

The thus-obtained aldehyde was dissolved in 150 ml. of methylene chloride and the solution was cooled in an ice bath, then 6.00 g. of carbethoxymethylenetriphenylphosphorane was added the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. Stirring was continued for about 70 hours then the solvent was removed by evaporation under diminished pressure and the thus-obtained residue comprising the 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[301,501- dihydroxy-2}3-(3-oxooctyl)- cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate was chromatographed over Florisil. The 8 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates were evaporated to give 2.152 g. of crystalline 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-l 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3oxooctyl)-cyclpent- 1 fl-yl] acrylate which after recrystallization from a mixture of ether and Skellysolve B had a melting point of 58-60 C., infrared absorption maxima (Nujol solution) at 1,710, 1,650, 1,610, 1,520, 1,350, 1,220, 1,180, 1,170, 1,115, 1,080, 1,040, 1,000, 855, 850, and 755 cm". and the following analysis:

Anal. Calcd. for C l-1 0 M C, 65.34; H, 7.24; N, 3.05.

Found: C, 65.33; H, 7.30; N, 3.34.

Example 29 3a, Sa-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[ 311,5 a-dihydroxy-2a-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B- yl] acrylate (10A) A solution of 0.465 g. of the 30:,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-Ifi-carboxaldehyde (prepared as in Example 22) in 25 ml. of methylene chloride was cooled in an ice bath and 0.80 g. of carbethoxymethylenetriphenylphosphorane was added. The mixture was then allowed to stand for about 70 hours at room temperature and the solvent was removed by evaporation under diminished pressure. The thus-obtained residue was dissolved in 50 m1. of a mixture of percent ethyl acetate in cyclohexane and filtered through 20 g. of silica gel. The silica gel was washed with an additional 200 ml. of 20 percent ethyl acetate in cyclohexane and the filtrate and washings together were evaporated under diminished pressure to give 0.433 g. of crystalline 30:,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[3a,5a -dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate which after recrystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B had a melting point of 565 8 C.

Following the procedures of Examples 28 and 29, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel B- carboxaldehyde as starting material the 3a5ol-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of a racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde, tag, the 3a,5a-pnitrobnzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2oz 3- oxobutyl)cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde or another 2/3-(3- oxoalkyl) aldehyde named following Example 25 is a productive of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racernic ethyl trans-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(oxoalkyl)cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate, e.g., the 3a-(oxoalkyl)cyclopent-,5a -p-nitrobenzilidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxobutyl)cyclopentl B- yl] acrylate.

Following the procedures of Examples 28 and 29 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3oxooctyl )cyclopentanel B- carboxaldehyde as starting material other 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel B- carboxaldehyde wherein the acetal group is derived from, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, p-bromobenzaldehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, 2,4,6- trichlorobenzaldehyde and the like is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetals of racemic ethyl trans-[301,501- dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopentlfiyl] acrylate.

Following the procedures of Examples 28 and 29 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl )cyclopentane- 1B- carboxaldehyde as starting material other 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentanel B- carboxaldehyde is productive of the corresponding 3a,5aacetals of racemic ethyl trans-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoalkyl)cyclopent- 1 B-yl] acrylate.

Substituting carbomethoxymethylenephenylphosphorane for carbethoxymethylenetriphenylphosphorane in Examples 28 and 29 is productive of the corresponding methyl acrylate. Example 30 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yl 2,4-pentadienoate 10A) A. 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 341,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel Bcarboxaldehyde A suspension of 5.00 g. (0.0128 mole) of a mixture of the 1u,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-SB-amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,a4,5,6,7, 7aa-heaxhydro -5a-amyl-la,3a,4/3,5B-indanetetrol in 25 ml. of acetic acid was stirred at room temperature and 6.8 g. of lead tetraacetate was added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes then 25 ml. of water and 25 ml. of benzene were added and the organic phase separated. The aqueous phase was washed twice more with benzene after which the combined organic layers were washed with water, dried, and evaporated under diminished pressure to give a residue comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde.

B. Methylcrotylphosphorane lidenetriphenylphosphorane) A mixture of 5.74 g. (0.032 mole) of methyl 4- bromocrotonate, 8.83 g. of triphenylphosphine and 25 ml. of chloroform was stirred at 0 C; until a clear solution formed. The solution was allowed to stand 5 hrs. at room temperature, then 39 ml. of ice-cold aqueous 5 percent hydroxide was added and the mixture was shaken for 10 minutes. The organic layer was then separated, washed with water, dried and evaporated under diminished pressure to give a dark orange oil consisting of the phosphorane from triphenylphosphine and methyl 4-bromocrotonate which crystallized on standing.

(carbomethoxyally- C. 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl( 3-oxooctyl )cyclopentlB-yl ]-2,4- pentadienoate (A) The crude 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydr oxy-2B-( 3-oxoocty1)cyclopentanel fl-carboxaldehyde obtained as in A, above,' and the methyl crotyl phosphorane obtained asin B, above, were each dissolved in 10 to ml. of chloroform, cooled in an ice bath, and then mixed under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting'mixture was allowed to stand about 18 hrs. at 5 C., then was allowed to warm to room temperature and was poured onto a chromatographic column of 500 g. of Florisil. The column was eluted with 5,000 ml. portions of Skellysolve B containing 2, 5, .5 and 7.5 percent acetone. The 5 percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates were evaporated to give 3.6 g. of residue comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3 -oxooctyl)cyclopent-lfl-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate which was further purified by chromatography over 180 g. of silica gel. Elution with a mixture of percent ethyl acetate-80 percent cyclohexane gave 2.7 g. of product which after several crystallizations from methanol hada melting point of 88-89 C., infrared absorption maxima at 1,720, 1,695, 1,640, 1,610, 1,605, 1,490, 1,515,1,355,1,340,1,310,1',225, 1,170, 1,140, 1,085, 1,040, 1,010, 1,000, 855,850, 750, and 745 cm"., and the following analysis: Calcd. for C, l-l,,O-,N: C, 66.22; H, 7.05; N, 2.97.

' .FoundzC, 66.18;!1, 6.91; N, 3.09. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis supported the proposedstructure.

Following the procedure of Example 30 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 311,501- dihydroxy-ZB-t 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde as starting material the 3a,5a-p-nitroben zylidene derivative of a racemic"3a, 5a@dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentane-lficarboxaldehyde, e.g., the 3a,5a p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3-oxobutyl)cyclopentanelfi-carboxaldehyde .or another '2B-( 3-oxoalkyl) aldehyde named following Example in productive of the 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2a-(3 oxoalkyl)-cyclopent-1B- yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, for example, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl5-[3a,5 -dihydroxy-2B- (3-oxobutyl)cyclopent- 1fi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example but-substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopenta ne- 1 fl-carboxaldehyde as starting materialother 3a,5'a-acetals of racemic 311,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl-cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde wherein the acetyl group is derived, for example, from formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, pbromobenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-fiuorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde and the like is productive of the corresponding 301,50:- acetals of racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihyroxy-2p-(3-oxo-octyl)cyclopentl fl-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrpbenzylidene derivative of racemic 311,50: dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane- 1 fi-carboxaldehyde as starting material another 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic 301,5- dihydroxy- 2fi-(3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetal of racemic methyl 5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxoalkyl )cyclopentl B-yl 2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30 but substituting ethyl 4-bromocrotonatefor methyl 4-bromocrotonate is productive of the corresponding ethyl esters. Example 31 3a,5a-p-nitrobenz ylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7 -[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxooctyllcyclopent-1B-yl]- 2,4,6-heptatrienoate (10A) I A. Ethylsorbylphosphorane solution A solution of 15.0 g. of triphenylphosphine'in 50 ml. of benzene was cooled in an ice bath and a solution of 12.1 g. of ethyl m-bromosorbate in 25 ml. of benzene was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for about 72 hours,

. um salt of m-bromosorbate in 200 ml. of methylene chloride was mixed with 100 ml. of water and the mixture was stirred until the solid dissolved. The mixture was then cooled in an ice bath and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere while a solution of 0.3 g. of sodium hydroxide in 5 ml; of water was added dropwise. The organic phase became a deep red color. When addition was complete the organic phase was separated and washed four times with water until the washes were neutral to a pH test paper, giving a solution comprising ethylsorbylphosphorane inmethylene chloride. I,

B. 3a,5ap-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 301,501- dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lfl-carboxaldehyde A suspension of 1.22 g. of a mixture comprising the 1053a p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aahexahydro-Sfl-amyl-la,3a,4a,5a-indanetetrol and the 1a,3o-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-Sa-amyl-la,3a,4B,5B-indanetetrol in 150 ml. benzene was cooled with an ice bath and stirred whileadding 1.5 g. of lead tetraacetate. After stirring for 1 hour the ice bath was removed and the mixture was stirred for an additional hour at room temperature, then ml. of water and 50 ml. of ether were added. The mixture was filtered through Celite (diatomaceous earth filter aid) and the organic phase was separated, washed twice with water, then evaporated to dry ness under diminished pressure at .room temperature to give 1.28 g. of a residue comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihdroxy-2fi-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde. C. 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl fi-yl ]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate The 1.28 g. of the'3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane- 1B- carboxaldehyde prepared as in B, above, was dissolved in 50 ml. of methylene chloride and one-half of this solution was added dropwise to the solution of ethylsorbylphosphorane in methylene chloride prepared'as in A, above, while cooling in an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days, then the solventwas removed by evaporation under diminished pressure. The residue was'dissolved in 50 ml. of

methylene chloride and chromatographed over silica gel and eluted with 5 percent, 10 percent and 20 percent ethyl acetate in cyclohexane. Followingremoval of a small amount of ethyl 7-(p-nitrophenyl)-hepta-2,4,6-trienoate with 10 percent ethyl acetate in cyclohexane, the 20 percent ethyl acetate in cyclohexane fractions were collected and evaporated to give I 0.112 g. of a residue comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate having an ultraviolet absorption maximum at 295 mu. The structure was confirmed by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonanc analyses. Example 32 3a,la-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-1fl-yl]- 2,4,6heptatrienoate 10A) A. 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)-cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde I A suspension ,4a2.0 g. of a mixture of the 10:,3a1fl-carboxaldehyde -p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5 ,6,7,7aa-hexahydro-5fl-amyl-la,3aa5a-indanetetrol and the la,3a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3aa,4,5,6,7,7 aa-hexahydro-Sa-amyI-la,3a,4fi,5B-indanetetrol in 18 ml. of

acetic acid at room temperature was with stirring with 2.7 g. of

dry lead tetraacetate. Afier 5 minutes water and benzene were added, then the benzene layer was separated, washed twice with water and evaporated under diminished pressure to give a residue comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 302,501 -dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)-cyclopentanelB-carboxaldehyde.

B. Ethylsorbylphosphorane (5-carboethoxy-2,4-pentadienylidenetriphenylphosphorane) A mixture of 4.38 g. of ethyl w-bromosorbate, 5.97 g, of triphenylphosphine and 25 ml. of chloroform was prepared with ice-bath cooling and was allowed to stand in the melting ice bath for about 24 hours, then the mixture was stirred vigorously under a nitrogen atmosphere and 25 ml. of cold aqueous 5 percent sodium hydroxide was added. Stirring was continued for 10 minutes. A deep orange-red organic phase separated, which was washed with water, dried, and concentrated by evaporation under diminished pressure to give an oil comprising ethylsorbylphosphorane.

C. 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)-cyclopent-1B-yl]-2,4,6 heptatrienoate 10A) The 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 301,50:- dihydroxy-2,B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel B-carboxaldehyde, prepared as in part A, above was dissolved in 25 m1. of methylene chloride and stirred under nitrogen while cooling in an ice-salt bath, then a solution of the ethylsorbylphosphorane, prepared as in part B, above, in 25 ml. of methylene chloride was added. The resulting mixture with stirred for 30 minutes, then was allowed to stand for about 18 hours at l0 C. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature and was poured onto a 200 g. of

Florisil in a chromatograph column. The column was developed with 400 ml. portions of Skellysolve B containing increasing amounts of acetone. The first 3 fractions of 5 percent acetone in Skellysolve B contained triphenylphosphine. Development was continued with seven 5 percent acetone and five 7.5 percent acetone in Skellysolve B fractions. These were combined and evaporated to give 2.155 g. of a pale yellow gum comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy2B-( 3-oxooctyl cyclopent-1fi-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate. This was twice crystallized from methanol to give an analytical sample of the 301,501- p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[ 301,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl )cyclopentl B-yl]2,4,6-heptatrienoate having a melting point of 92-93 C., ultraviolet absorption peaks in ethanol of A 213 mu, 11,800 and A 302 mu, 49,350, LR. absorption maxima at 1,715,1700,1,620,1,585,l,5l5,1,360,1,240,1,210,1,l35, 1,180, 1,035, 1,010, 845, 750 and 740 cm", and the following analysis: Calcd. for C H O l-l: C, 68.08; H, 7.29; N, 2.74.

Found: C, 68,30; H, 7.34; N, 2.74.

Following the procedure of Examples 31 and 32, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2}8-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane- 1B- carboxaldehyde as starting material the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of a racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxoalkyl)-cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde, e.g., the -3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B- (3-oxobutyl)cyclopentane- 1 B- carboxaldehyde or another 218- (3-oxoalky1) analog named following Example 25 is productive of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racernic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2}3'( 3-oxoa1- kyl))cyclopent-lBlyl]-hepta-2,4,6-trienoate, e.g., the 301,50:- p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7[3a,5adihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxobutyl )cyclopentl fl-yl]-hepta-2,4,6- trienoate.

Following the procedure of Examples 31 and 32, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)-cyclopentane-1B- carboxaldehyde as starting material other 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-1B- carboxaldehyde wherein the acetal group is derived from, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, p-bromobenzaldehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, pfluorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzalde-hyde, 2,4,6- trichlorobenzaldehyde and the like is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetals of racemic ethyl 7-[N 304,50:- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-hepta-2,4,6- trienoate.

Following the procedure of Examples 31 and 32, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentanel B- carboxaldehyde as starting material another 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentane-1l3- carboxaldehyde in productive of the corresponding 301,50:- acetal of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2}3-(3-oxoalkyl)cyc1opent- 1 B-yl]-hepta-2,4,6-trienoate.

Following the procedure of Examples 31 and 32, but substituting for ethylw-bromosorbate other alkyl esters of wbromosorbic acid, for example, methyl w-bromosorbate, is productive of the corresponding alkyl ester of formula 10A, for example, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 7-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-1B-y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate.

Example 33 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lfi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate 10A) Following the procedure of Example 30 but substituting methyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-2-butenoate for methyl bromocrotonate as starting material in part B is productive of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3- methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl )eyclopentl B-yl] -2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30, parts B and C, but substituting methyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-2-butenoate for methyl bromocrotonate in part B and substituting for the 302,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl- (3-oxoocty1)-cyclopentane-l-carboxaldehyde in part C the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of a racemic 302,511- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxoalkyl)-cyclopentanelfi-carboxaldehyde, e.g., the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxobutyl)cyclopentane- 1 B-carboxaldehyde or another 2B-(3-oxoalkyl)aldehyde named following Example 25 is productive of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of the corresponding racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoalky1)cyclopent-1,8-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, e.g., the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxobutyl)cyclopent-1fi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30, parts B and C, but substituting methyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-Z-butenoate for methyl bromocrotonate in part B and substituting for the 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B- (3-oxoocty1)cyclopentane-l B-carboxaldehyde in part C other 3a,5a-acetals of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lfi-carboxaldehyde, wherein the acetal group is derived from, for example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, chloral, pbromobenzaldehyde, pchlorobenzaldehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde, p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde, and the like is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetals of racemic methyl tyl)cyclopent-lB-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30, parts B and C, but substituting methyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-2-butenoate for methyl bromocrotonate in part B and substituting for the 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B- (3-oxooctyl)cyclopentane-lB-carboxaldehyde in part C another 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoalkyl )cyclopentane-clopentane- 1 fi-carboxaldehyde is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-acetal of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2[3-( 3oxoalkyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 30, parts B and C, but substituting an alkyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-2-butenoate, for example, ethyl 3-methyl-4-bromo-2-butenoate, for methyl bromocrotonate, is productive of the corresponding 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic alkyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2,B-3-oxooctyl )cyclopent- 1 l3-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, for example, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl )cyclopentl B-yl1-2 ,4pentadienoate.

Example 34 Racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)-cyclopentl fi-yl]-hepta-2,4,6trienoate 10B) A- mixture of 300 mg. of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)- cyclopent-IB-yl]-hepta-2,4,6-trienoate, 15 ml. of acetone, 5 ml. of water and 0.3"m1. of concentrated sulfuric acid was heated under refluxina nitrogen atmosphere for 3 hrs., then in a mixture of 33 percent ethyl acetate and 67 percent cyclohexane and chromatographed over 15 g. of silica gel.

The column was eluted first with a mixture of 50 percent ethyl acetate and 50 percent cyclohexane and then with ethyl acetate, The ethyl acetate eluates were evaporated to give 161 mg. of an oil comprising .ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3 -oxoocty1)cyc1opent-lB-yl]hepta-2,4,6-trienoate', homogeneous as shown by thin layer chromatography and showing strong hydroxyl absorption in the infrared and a U.V. absorption peak at'303 mu. I

A crude product prepared and chromatographed over silica gel as above was'chromatographed over Florisil and eluted with Skellysolve 8 (mixed hexanes) containing acetone. The 20 percent'acetone-80 percent Skellysolve B eluates were evaporated to give a pale yellow syrup which crystallized on standing. The thus obtained crystalline product was recrystallized J twice from ether to give racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5ahepta-2 ,4,6- trienoate having a melting point of 67-69 C., an ultraviolet absorption maximum at 304 mu 44,600), infrared absorption maxima at 3,340, 3,240, 1,705, 1,695, 1,630, 1,615,

1,585, 1,240,1,135 and 1,005 cm.", and thefollowing analy- Following the procedure of Example 34, but'substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzy1idene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 r'x,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-,(3-oxoocty1)-cyclopent-1B-y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate as starting material the following compounds:

I l. the 3a, 5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[ 3a,5a-dihydr'oxy-2B- 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent- 1 B-yl] acrylate t i l 2. the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzy1idene derivative of racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yll- 2,4-penta'dienoate 1 Q 3. Y the 3d,5a-p-nitrobe'nzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a.-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lfi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate and 4. the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-( 3oxobutyl)cyclopent-1B-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate v is productive of:

1. racemic ethyl trans-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoocty1)- cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate 2. racemic methyl 5- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yII-ZA-pentadiehoate 3. racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate and 4. racemic ethylv 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxobuty1)- cyclopent-1fl-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate. Similarly, substituting other 30:,5a-acetals of racemic ethyl 7- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-( 3-oxoocty1)cyc1opent- 1Byl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate 'and other 3a,5a-aceta1s of the 30,501 dihydroxy compounds named following Example 34, for example, the 3a,5a-acetals of racemic ethy17-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxoocty1)cyclopentl B-y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate wherein the acetal radical is derived from formaldehyde,

acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, I chloral, pbromobenzladehyde, p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-fluorobenzaldehyde," p-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde and 2,4,6-

trichlorobenzaldehyde for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzy1idene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-o'xooctyl)cyc1opent-1fi-y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate as starting materials in the procedureof Example 34 is productive of the corresponding free 30:,5a-diols.

Substituting other alkyl estersof structure 10A in place of the methyl and ethyl 'estersnamed following Example 34 as starting materials in theprocesa of Example 34 is productive of the corresponding alkyl esters of structure 108.

Following the procedure of Example 34, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p -nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoocty1)cyc1opent-1B yl]-2,4,6-hep tatrienoate as starting material:

l. the 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic alkyl [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi- 3-oxoalkyl)cyclopent-1fi-yl] acrylate,

' 2.'the 3a,$a-acetal of a racemic alkyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2 B-( 3-oxoa1ky1)cyc1opent- 1 fl-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate,

3. the 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic alkyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5adihydroxy-2fl-( 3-oxoalkyl)cyclopentlfi-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate and 4. the 3a,5a-acetal of a racemic alkyl 7-[3a,5adihydroxy- 2fl-( 3-oxoal1tyl)cyclopentl fi-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate is productive of: a

1. a racemic alkyl [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxoal- 2. a racemic alkyl 5-[3a,5a?dihydroxy-2fl-(3-oxoalkyl)- cyclopent-1B-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate,

3. a racemic alkyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-oxoalkyl)cyclopent-1fl-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate and 4. a racemic alkyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3-oxoalky1)- cyclopentlB-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate.

Example 35 Racemic ethyl trans-I3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3- oxooctyl)cyclopent-1B-yl] acry1ate(l0B) I A solution of 0.623 g. of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylide'ne derivative of racemic ethyl trans-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3 oxooctyl)cyc1opent-lB-y1] acrylate and 25 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid in a mixture of 50 ml. 'of acetone and 25 ml. of water was heated for 1 hour under reflux and then cooled. The acetone was then removed by evaporation'under diminished pressure and the aqueous reside was extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride solution was dried and chromatographed over FlorisiL-E1ution with Skellysolve B containing 25-40 percent acetone and evaporation of the eluates gave 0.342 g. of an oil comprising racemic ethyl trans-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl )cyclopent- 1 fi-yl] acrylate which on crystallization from ethyl acetate-Skellysolve B gave an analytical sample having a melting point of -8l C., LR. absorption maxima at 3,260, 1,705, 1,650,

1,175, 1,095 and 1,030cm.", and the following analysis: Calcd. for C ll 5,0,: C, 66.23: H, 9.26.

Found: C, 66.53: H, 9.25. 1 I

Example 36 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzy1idene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl )cyclopentl y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate 10C) i I i To a solution of 1.0 g. of the 3a,5a p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5d-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)-cyclopent-1 fi-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate (10A) in 10 ml. of tetrahydrofuran in a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.2 g. of lithium tri-tert.-butoxy aluminum hydride. The mixture was allowed to stand 3 hrs. at room temperature, then was concentrated, carefully acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract was chromatographed over 50 g. of Florisil. Elution with 7.5 percent and 10 percent acetone in Skellysolve B followed by evaporation of the eluates gave 289 mg. of an oily product comprising the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1B-y1]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate 10C).

Following the procedure of Example 36 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 lidene derivative of racemic methyl 5-[3a,5adihydroxy-2B:

(3-oxoocty1)cyclopent-lB-y1]-2,4-pentadienoate, the 301,50:- p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent- 1 B-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate and the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxobutyl)- cyclopent-lB-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate is productive of the corresponding compound of formula 10C, for example, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl -[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1B -yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3- hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl] 2,4-pentadienoate and the 3a,5a-p-'nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-hydroxybutyl )cyclopentlfi-yl]-2,4,6-

heptatrienoate.

Similarly, following the procedure of Example 36 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopent- 1B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate another compound of formula A, for example, other acetals of racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5adihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lfi-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate and other acetals of the 3-oxoa1kyl compounds named above following Example 36 is productive of the corresponding 3,5-acetals of 3-hydroxyalkyl compounds of formula 10C. I

Following the procedure of Example 36, but substituting other alkyl esters, for example, the methyl esters of formula 10A as starting materials, is productive of the corresponding alkyl esters of formula 10C.

Example 37 Racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3- hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6=heptatrienoate 100) To a stirred solution of 5.00 g. (0.0132 mole) of racemic ethyl 7-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yll- 2,4,6-heptatrienoate (108) in 200 ml. of tetrahydrofuran under a nitrogen atmospherewas added 16.7 g. (0.065 mole) of lithium tri-terL-butoxy aluminum hydride in portions over a period of 3 to 4 minutes. The solution was then stirred for 3 hours at room temperature, concentrated to about one-third volume by evaporation under reduced pressure, carefully acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid with cooling, and extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were combined, washed with water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a gum which was dissolved in methylene chloride and'chromatographed over Florisil. The percent acetone in Skellysolve B eluates were evaporated to give 4.17 g. of a colorless viscous gum comprising racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1B- yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate which showed one spot R, m 0.50, one a thin layer chromatographic plate developed with 10 per cent methanol in ethyl acetate and treated with 50 percent sulfuric acid spray, and an ultraviolet absorption peak 35,350 at 305 mu.

Following the procedure of Example 37 but substituting for racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)cyclpent-l B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate another compound of formula 108, for example, racemic ethyl trans[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-oxooctyl)-cyclopent-1B-yl] acrylate, racemic methyl 5-[3a,5adihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B'yl]-2,4,-pentadienoate, racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl- (3-oxooctyl)cyclopent-lfi-yl]-2,4,-pentadienoate and ethyl 7- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate is productive of the corresponding compound of formula 10D, for example, racemic ethyl trans-[301,501- dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl] acrylate, racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1B-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, racemic methyl 3- methyl-5-[ 301,50: -dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent- 1B-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, and racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5adihydroxy-2}8-( 3-hydroxybutyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate. Similarly, other alkyl esters, example, the methyl esters, corresponding to the starting materials of formula 108 named above can be substituted for racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5adihydroxy-2B-( 3-oxooctyl)cyclopentl fl-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate in the process of Example 37 to obtain the corresponding alkyl esters of formula 100.

Example 38 Racemic trans-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-(3-hydrox yoctyl)-cyclopent-l fi-yl] acrylic acid 10D) A mixture of 2.20 g. (0.0067 mole) of racemic ethyl transnitrogen atmosphere for 4 hrs., then the mixture was evaporated under diminished pressure to about one-third volume. The residue was diluted with water and washed with methylene chloride, then the aqueous phase was acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted withethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was washed with aqueous sodium chloride and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 1.85 g. of a gum which was dissolved in ethyl acetate and chromatographed of 100 g. of acid washed silica gel. Elution with 5 percent methanol in ethyl acetate and evaporation of the eluate' gave 1.23 g. of a gumcomprising racemic trans-[301,501- dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentl B-yl] acrylic acid showing ultraviolet absorption of 9,400 at 214 mu. Example 39 Racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3- hydroxyoctyl)-cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate 100) A mixture of 0.28 1 g. of the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[ 3a,5a-dlhydroxy-2fl( 3-hydroxyoctyl )-cyclopent-lfi-yl1-2,4,6-heptatrienoate 10C), 25 ml. of acetone, 12 ml. of water and 0.6 ml. of sulfuric acid was refluxed under nitrogen for 3 hours, then was evaporated under diminished pressure to remove most of the acetone. The

residue was extracted. with methylene chloride, and the methylene chloride extracts were washed with water, dried, and chromatographed over 10 g. of Florisil. Elution with 40% acetone in Skellysolve B and evaporation of the eluates gave mg. of a gummy product comprising racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate, shown to be identical with the product of Example 37 by thin layer chromatographic analysis and infrared analysis.

Following the procedure of Example 39, but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2B (S-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1fi-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate as starting material, another 3a,5a-pnitrobenzylidene derivative of formula 10C, for example, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl trans- [3a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentl B-yl] acrylate, the 3a,5a -p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic methyl 5-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1 fl-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzy1idene derivative of racemic methyl 3-methyl-5-[3u,5a-dihydroxy-2fl-(3- hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate and the 3a,5a-p-nitroben'zylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2fi-( 3-hydroxybutyl)cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate is productive of the corresponding compound of formula 10D, for example, racemic ethyl trans-[3a,5adihydroxy-2fi-(B-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentlB-yl] acrylate, racemic methyl 5-[ 3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lfi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, racemic methyl 3- methyl-5-[ 3a,5adihydroxy-2B-( 3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopentlfi-yl]-2,4-pentadienoate, and racemic ethyl 7-[3a,5adihydroxy- 2B-( 3-hydroxybutyl )cyclopent- 1 B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoate.

Following the procedure of Example 39 but substituting for the 3a,5a-p-nitrobenzylidene derivative of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-lB-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate as starting material another compound of formula 10C, for example, other acetals of racemic ethyl 7-[3 a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl)cyclopent-1B-yl]-2,4,6- heptatrienoate and other acetals of the 3-hydroxyalkyl compounds named following example 39 is productive of the corresponding compounds of formula 10D.

Following the procedure of Example 39 but substituting other alkylesters, for example, the methyl esters of formula 10C as starting material is productive of the corresponding alkyl esters of formula 10D.

.Example 40 Racemic 7-[3a,5a-dihydroxy-2B-(3-hydroxyoctyl )cyclopentl B-yl]-2,4,6-heptatrienoic acid 10D) 

2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 2. 3. A compound according to claim 2 wherein W is p-nitrophenyl, Y'' is hydrogen, and Z is ethyl.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 0. 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 1. 6. A racemic compound of the formula:
 7. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 2. 8. A compound according to claim 7 wherein W is p-nitrophenyl and Z is ethyl.
 9. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 0. 10. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R is amyl, X is hydrogen, and n is
 1. 